There’s a new craze sweeping the world in 2014, a handy new device which is guaranteed to make your life easier.
It's the iGod, the gadget that allows you to follow God your way.
- Its stylish design allows you to look just like a follower of Jesus on the outside, regardless of what’s happening on the inside.
- The iGod enables you to fit God into your life, rather than having to rearrange your life around him.
- Ever wanted to follow God without the annoying bits: obedience, risk, suffering or sacrifice? If so, the iGod is for you.
- The most popular feature of the iGod is the function that selects the easier bits of the Bible you’re going to follow. Don’t like a challenging section of the Bible? The iGod allows you to pick and choose the bits you like to make your walk with God convenient and comfortable.
The iGod … it’s following God with a lot more I.
The history of the iGod
The iGod has a long history. Here's some highlights …
The serpent tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden saying “You will be like God” (Gen 3:5). God knew what was best for Adam and Eve, but they thought they knew better.
Since the beginning of time, people have struggled with the temptation to reject God’s leadership and make ourselves king. King Nebuchadnezzar was driven out of his kingdom (and out of his mind) because he thought he was all powerful (Daniel 4:28-33). King Herod was receiving worship from people who were saying he was a god – then an angel struck him with disease (Acts 12:20-25).
However, it’s not just crazy dictators that have an iGod. We possess an iGod whenever we take back the crown, whenever we think we know better than our maker.
Jonah used his iGod when he ran away from God’s command to go to Nineveh and sailed toward Tarshish instead. The Israelites used their iGods when they decided not to enter the land that God promised them. We used an iGod when we ignore God’s commands because we’re comfortable obeying God only when it suits us.
Is the iGod right for you?
Jesus was very critical of the religious leaders of his day saying “You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts.” (Luke 16:15).
What about us? Are we really following God or just trying to look like we are? Having an iGod will fool some people for a short while, but God is not fooled – he knows the true state of our heart.
This year, you’ll be tempted to buy an iGod so you can talk the talk without having to walk the walk. You’ll be tempted to look and sound religious without having a genuine day-by-day relationship with God. You’ll be tempted to invite God only into the 'spiritual' parts of your life like Church and Youth Group, while excluding him from your school life, your social life and your snapchat life.
But if God isn’t Lord of all then is he really isn’t Lord at all. So this year, resist the temptation of the iGod and instead pursue an authentic walk with your Lord and Saviour.